Minister Orders Crackdown After Red Panda Seized in Mae Sot
Minister Sarachat ordered a crackdown on cross-border wildlife trafficking after a protected red panda was seized in Mae Sot, Tak province, and is now under veterinary care.
Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Sarachat Chomklin has ordered a decisive crackdown on cross-border wildlife trafficking after the Department of National Parks reported the seizure of a red panda, a CITES Appendix I protected species, in Mae Sot district on October 26, 2026. Minister Sarachat revealed he received a report from Department Director-General Yongyut Nakhawiwat regarding the case where Mae Sot police seized one red panda from a suspicious pickup truck in Tak province, before coordinating with the department to take the animal into care after the two suspects could not produce legal possession or import documents.
Minister Sarachat stated that the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment places great importance on preventing and suppressing illegal wildlife trade, and has instructed the Department of National Parks to pursue legal action strictly. He also ordered coordination with relevant agencies to expand inspections of wildlife smuggling routes to prevent similar offenses, and directed veterinary teams to provide close care for the red panda in accordance with animal welfare principles.
Director-General Yongyut reported that on October 23, 2026, at approximately 7:30 PM, Mae Sot police set up a checkpoint on Sritai Road in Tha Sai Luat subdistrict, Mae Sot district, Tak province, and discovered a red panda concealed inside a pickup truck. They seized the wildlife as evidence, charged both suspects, and coordinated with the Mae Sot Wildlife Checkpoint to take custody of the animal on October 24.
Officials have since transferred the red panda to the veterinary team at the Wildlife Conservation Division, Protected Areas Administration Office 14 (Tak) for care. Preliminary health checks found the animal was startled and lethargic but had no serious external injuries. It is currently under quarantine, under close observation, and receiving nutritional support for rehabilitation.
The red panda is a protected species under CITES Appendix I, which imposes strict controls on international trade. The Department of National Parks will continue to rehabilitate the animal's health until it is ready, before coordinating with central agencies to transfer it to a suitable sanctuary.
